The Construction Date of the Misis Bridge

Abstract

The Cilicia Region, which stretches between Korakesion and Alexandria Kat'Isson, is bordered by the Taurus Mountains in the north and the Mediterranean Sea in the south. Defined as Cilicia by the sources, the region serves as a natural bridge between Eastern and Western societies, and a significant route that provides communication between different cultures also passes through the region. Crossing the Gülek Pass, the route reaches Misis via Tarsus, then heads towards Mesopo-tamia. The nine-arch Misis Bridge is situated in Mopsu(h)estia (= Misis), which represents one of the important stops of this route. Even though the original construction of the bridge is associated with the Roman period, when and under which emperor it was built is controversial. Some resear¬chers relate the construction to the Valerian period, whereas others attribute it to the period of Constantius II. The aim of the study is to put forward a new view on the construction date of the Misis bridge. The ancient sources concerning the route, on which the bridge is located, reveal the significance of the road here. Additionally, it is also known that from the beginning of the Imperial period, Rome adopted a sensitive attitude in intervening in the turmoil in the east. It is understood that this route is of particular importance for Rome in relation to both the movements of the legions and the logistical support. Accordingly, it is seen that both views suggested as the construction date of the bridge are disputable and the suggested dates are too late for the bridge. Therefore, considering the early historical records, archaeological findings and the historical process, a new proposal has been developed regarding the chronological problems of the bridge.